What Is Holding Dentistry Back?
Learn from Dr. David Park, CEO of Clear Lakes Dental Franchise, as he shares The #1 policy that changed our entire clinic culture.
Why “The Patient is Always Right” is Outdated
Learn from Dr. David Park, CEO of Clear Lakes Dental Franchise, as he shares how dentists of all ages can successfully start and own their own clinics today.
You’ve heard it a million times: “the customer is always right.” In dentistry, this translates to “the patient is always right.” But here’s the truth… it’s outdated. At Clear Lakes Dental, our priority isn’t just patients; it starts with supporting and respecting our team. A happy team creates happy patients, not the other way around.
A “bad” patient is someone who constantly complains and saps energy from your staff. While rare, they can ruin your day and even hurt your clinic culture. By fostering a kind and respectful environment, your team can focus on delivering excellent care, and your patients will naturally reciprocate that respect.
Referral Systems & Smart Policies That Drive Growth
Learn from Dr. David Park, CEO of Clear Lakes Dental Franchise, as he shares how dentists of all ages can successfully start and own their own clinics today.
Want more patients? Ask for referrals. It’s simple but underutilized. Encouraging patients to bring family, friends, and coworkers builds trust and grows your practice organically. Combine that with strategic Google Ads, and you’ve got a system that’s cost-effective and highly profitable.
Policies like our 0-minute late policy ensure patients arrive on time while protecting team morale. Early on, seeing late patients caused stress for our hygienists — one even cried. Implementing strict appointment adherence and sending reminders increased punctuality while keeping our team happy. It’s a clear example: respect your team, and they’ll respect the patients.
Protecting Your Team & Culture
Learn from Dr. David Park, CEO of Clear Lakes Dental Franchise, as he shares how dentists of all ages can successfully start and own their own clinics today.
At Clear Lakes Dental, team culture is non-negotiable. Any patient exhibiting verbal abuse, racism, or threatening behavior is dismissed immediately. Protecting your team from toxic interactions ensures morale stays high and productivity stays strong.
Leadership also applies to hiring and managing staff. Even A-player candidates may not align with your values. True leadership means recognizing when someone doesn’t fit and making tough decisions before they negatively impact the team or patient experience. Respect, alignment, and a no-drama culture are the backbone of an efficient, thriving dental practice.
